Posts Tagged ‘Expressionism’
My Abstract Art Class #4
Last week, the lesson in my Abstract Art class was about symbols. We thought of a bunch of symbols, some of which were heart, $, #, hand, star, @, !, yin yang, cross, +, =, fish, x o. An artist could make one or more paintings with each of these in mind.
Teacher then showed us photos which she had collected with some of these symbols in mind. Most of us used one of her photos as inspiration to make our own painting. This is the painting I made from one of her photos because my son was in a band for several years and that photo reminded me of him. I might even send it out to him as a gift!
Abstract Art Class – 2/2/11
Today I learned a new technique for creating texture in acrylic abstract painting. We began by painting our canvas with a color or colors of acrylic paint. Then we set it in the sun to dry. A short time later, we covered it with matt medium, crumpled up a piece of tissue paper (artists’ variety), and put the paper on the canvas, leaving lots of wrinkles which we smoothed out or pasted down with our hands. We further smoothed the paper with a paint brush until the paper was attached to the canvas. We began painting on it with whatever colors we chose.
The purpose was to have wrinkles in the paper to create texture. If the paper tears, just put on another piece and glue it down with acrylic paint. More paper could be added if desired – just glue it down with paint and let dry. Finally, either create a design or leave the canvas multi-colored. We all had fun and learned a new way to create texture.
Homework
Tomorrow is my Abstract Art class again. In preparation, I did one painting of overlapping circles which I’ll post after critique by the class.
In addition, I thought I would try the “overlapping frames” format for creating an abstract painting. First, I created the design in my sketch book, then drew it in pencil on the canvas. Then I colored the frames and painted the background in a neutral color (raw umber and white). Someone told me once that a neutral background shows the colors best. Since my paints are not top grade, I repainted the background and will repaint the colors tomorrow before class. After corrections, I’ll post this also.
Abstract Art Class – Part 2 1/26/11
The final 6 design formats given by Teacher in class are: 7) constellation, 
Meander, 9) Diagonal, 10) Golden Section, 11) Tension, and 12) Spiritual/Portrait. All these are possible design formats for an abstract painting.
I chose the curves format. I proceeded to find round objects of various sizes to use as templates – a paper plate, coffee can lid, glass and hair dryer end. After making circles on my canvas with these objects, I filled them in with whatever colors appealed to me. I must confess, this is not a purely subjective painting because there was a black and white photo of someone’s painting included in each example, so I used that photo as inspiration. My creativity may be coming, but it’s not free yet!
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Abstract Art Class – 1/26/11
The subject for discussion in my abstract painting class was Design Compositions. Our teacher gave us a handout showing 12 different design formats – designed to set your creativity free. She had also cut out photos of paintings that fit into each category and we looked at those as she talked about each type.
I will mention the first 6 design formats. They are: 1) cruciform, 2) cantilever, 3) horizontal, 4) overlapping frames, 5) curves, and 6) vertical. My assignment for next week is to choose one of these (or the other 6) formats and paint an abstract painting. I’m hoping something will set my creativity free!
The Fauves (Wild Beasts)
The Fauves – Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Georges Roualt, and others – exhibited for the first time at the 1905 Autumn Salon in Paris. The curator grouped all their oil paintings together in one room along with a classic bust. One unhappy critic wrote that the bust looked like “Donatello among the wild animals.” (Donatello was the greatest sculptor of the Renaissance period).
The Fauves took the remark as a complement. Their colors were meant to attack – to assault the eye.
Fauvism lasted only three years, but those involved shared similar views about the techniques and the importance of individual expression. All used loud colors and flat surfaces. All of them wanted to experiment. Eventually, their work won acceptance and most of them became famous in their own lifetimes.
Never Satisfied
Last week Robert Genn, Canadian landscape painter, wrote his newsletter in response to a letter from an artist who is never satisfied with his work. Robert explained that there are four main types of dissatisfaction.
First, the artist realizes that the work is now substandard and will probably remain so. The artist might enjoy the work and occasionally sell some, but the possibility of excellent work is unlikely. The popular antidote is to fool oneself that the work is okay. Lots of unsatisfactory work is delivered with the benefit of this delusion. Being really satisfied is the province of amateurs.
Secondly, the subject matter or manner of painting loses its initial interest and is seen as shallow or unworthy. At this point it’s time for the artist to move on. Thirdly, the artist has high standards that are often achieved, yet there is genuine concern for a particular surface quality, compositional problems, color weaknesses, etc. Rethinking and “back to basics” might be the solution. Fourth, an artist self compares to the truly greats and falls short. Mature professionals, particularly have developed a sophisticated eye for what needs to be done. Let’s face it, high standards cannot always be met and perfection is an impossible dream.
Expressionism
Expressionism was a cultural movement originating in Germany at the start of the 20th century. It is exhibited in many art forms, including: painting, literature, theater, dance, film, architecture and music. Its typical trait is to present the world from a subjective perspective, violently distorting it to transmit personal moods. In general, the term refers to art that expresses intense emotion rather than physical reality.
A few of the Expressionists were: Klee, Van Gogh, Munch, Kandinsky, Chagall, deKooning and Pollock. Influenced by the Fauves, Expressionists worked with arbitrary colors as well as jarring compositions to capture vivid emotions. Kandinski believed that with simple colors and shapes, the spectator could perceive the moods and feelings of the paintings. Therefore, he make the move to abstraction. ……from Wikipedia
Landscape Painting
Like many Art students, I began the study of Art in a studio, where the instructor would lecture, demonstrate, and answer a myriad of questions. After many years of mixing colors, painting from photos and note cards, I discovered painting out of doors. Landscape painting was for me!
At first, I must admit, it was a bit overwhelming to try to decide, from all that was out there, just what I would put on my canvas. Now that I have practiced a while, it is so exciting to find a view that catches my attention and inspires me to capture it on my canvas.
I begin with the big shapes, draw them in paint, usually raw umber, and color them whatever color comes to mind. I never know how the painting will turn out, but it is always interesting!